Hey Andrew,

How are you doing? 
Hang tough. You are so worth it! Every hour that passes you are stronger. It may not seem like it in certain moments, but, you really are.

Let us know how you’re doing! Don’t forget we are here and to post an SOS if needed! 
You’ve got this!!!

Yo Lore -

Thanks for checking in.

I'm doing fine. No big time cravings. Been keeping busy around the house taking care of business on the computer, going to doctors appointments and otherwise living the retired life.

I have 5 days under my belt. Not sleeping real well, up in the very early morning but time passes quickly that time of the day. I have been journaling almost every day, capturing my thoughts and feelings. Its great to read months and years later. It gives me a perspective on my life that I tend to forget about.

I do feel stong and am confident that this is going to be the time. Using patches and lozenges to ease the withdrawls, sometimes I wonder if I really need them. I have 28 days before I fly on my own. 

Again, thanks for the attention. Hope you are doing well.

Good Day,

Andrew

Hi Andrew!

My pleasure! How is your Friday going? 
I didn’t realize you were retired. What a fantastic time to not smoke! New chapter of life, time to do things that bring you joy and inspire you, no work stress, so many good things! Time to lay down and nap if and when you want, or go for a stroll. First day of the rest of your life every day. Nice. 
It’s a good feeling to feel like you don’t need the patch or whatever. Stick with your plan though. Show the addict you are committed. That you made a decision and plan and that you are following through. No harm done. 
 

Im doing well, thank you! Covid finally got me. Went to the gym last Saturday and had a great work out, came home and laid in the sun (which we have had very little of this Spring) , started to feel congested. Then came in and took a nap, woke with 101.9° fever, headache, cold symptoms. I knew right away. Did a home test that was positive. Went in to my work next day as I thought I better have it documented if I have it and sure enough positive. Fever only lasted less than 24 hours then a few days of lots of snot and pretty tired. Now I’m feeling good and ready to get back at ‘em! I am so very grateful when I finally got it that it is Omicron (version who knows) and not the original or Delta. It is nothing short of a miracle I made it this long since I’ve worked in it every day since day 1. I have colleagues that were not so lucky. Such a strange journey this has been for the world. 
 

Hang tough!!! Embrace the feeling of being smoke free! Celebrate!!! 
 

Talk soon! 

Haven't been on since my first post. Didn't save the link and forgot which forum it was.  I'm blonde so it happens.  Lol.  Didn't make it through the first week and my smoking exploded to over a pack a day.  Trying to get it back under control but having a hard time of it.  I keep telling myself I'll start another quit tomorrow but the problem is tomorrow never comes.   It's always still a day away.  How do you guys deal with anxiety during g a quit?  I'm mildly agoraphobic and smoking has always been my way of relaxing around people.  But break is over and have to get back to work.  But will get on later to post more. 

Edit:  forgot to mention something and not proud of it but I also dip.  So it's not unusual for me to have a steady supply of nicotine in me.  Unfortunately that means I'm trying to quit 2 bad habits at the same time.

You'll have to excuse my talking to my self but it seems to help to write it down.  I was thinking about what I said earlier that tomorrow never comes.  And it dawned on me that I'm running out of today's.   I need to stop putting it off.  Just not looking forward to feeling the way I did my last "real" quit attempt.   Went 2 months smoke free before I fell victim to the "it's just 1.  It won't set me back that far".  But I was just feeling so disconnected and the internal battle is just so draining I wanted to feel normal even if for a little bit.  That was a couple years ago and I regret my decision to light that 1.  I guess we learn from our mistakes and try not to repeat them.  So my smoke free future will start now.   Now that I have found this site again I will be looking up others victories with this fight and try to learn from them

I know we are both grateful that this forum is here. Lots of non-judgmental people here who understand how hard this is .... I just want to tell you that you can do this. You can!  If I can -- and for me it's 6 months tomorrow (after smoking off and on since the early 1970's....) -- then hell yeah you can!  Just for today, that's it. Just don't smoke today.

Right. Reminds me of an old CCR song called “Someday Never Comes”. 
I remember being stuck in the “tomorrow “ track. It stinks. 
Have you made it one whole day yet? It’s pretty empowering really. Well, now that you’ve found your way back, pick a day. You will have a lot of support here! 
Just wondering since you dip and smoke if you’ve thought of the lozenges? Pros and Cons to using NRT for sure. Whatever sets you up best for success is all that matters! 

I have tried lozenges,  patches, and the pills the doc prescribes.  I think cold turkey is probably my best bet.  

Martha I agree gotta take it one day at a time.  

Morning Devildog, 

Yeah, the just one is a guaranteed loser. Try to pick a date, not too far in the future. Memorial Day is as good as any. 

Best,

Paul

Glad you are feeling better Loreficent. 

Enjoy the weekend, all.